IT'S BACK, it's better than ever - and the bright new big wheel is now brought to you courtesy of the M.E.N.

The £3.5 million attraction was specially commissioned to form the centrepiece of this year's Christmas celebrations in Manchester.

But it will now remain in position in Exchange Square until April, giving people ample time to sample the fun of the biggest ride around.

It carries the M.E.N's branding on the main structure as well as on each capsule, along with the logo of our Channel M television station.

Manchester Evening News readers can book "Fast Track" tickets for the ride on the wheel. Details are in the advert below.

A similar giant wheel was erected last Christmas, drawing 345,000 visitors during the months it was in operation.

The M.E.N Wheel of Manchester, which opened on Saturday, is expected to attract far more visitors during its six-month run.

Improved

A spokesman for the wheel's owners, World Tourist Attractions, said: "It is a new and improved model especially for Manchester. It has 42 large glass capsules which can seat up to eight people, all with wheelchair access, tinted glass, air conditioning and heating so people won't get cold on those winter nights."

The capsules also provide sound commentary on the sights of Manchester.

And for those who want to do things in style there is a luxury VIP capsule equipped with plasma screen TV, DVD, leather interior, glass floor - and a fridge.

That gondola will carry four and the price of an unforgettable experience is £65 with a bottle of champagne and £50 without.

The wheel was brought to Manchester in 25 shipping containers, and teams of engineers worked round the clock for 10 days to construct the frame and attach the London Eye-style bubble capsules.

At a maximum height of 200 feet, the M.E.N. wheel will give a birds-eye view of Manchester city centre and far beyond.